‘I enjoy choreographing on males,’ says Royal Ballet Soloist Kristen McNally. ‘They have a grounded way of movement that doesn’t come as easily to classical female dancers; that grounded, strong movement is what I enjoy making.’

Kristen has been dancing with The Royal Ballet for 14 years, and contributes regularly to Draft Works, a platform for experimental choreography by Royal Ballet dancers. Now, she is creating a new work for all-male dance company BalletBoyz theTALENT as part of Deloitte Ignite 2014, a month-long festival of dance and visual art featuring a number of free events.

‘This is a complete change for me,’ she says. ‘I have done most of my work with my Royal Ballet colleagues, and now I’ve got ten men to choreograph on, who are not all classically trained.’

Kristen will demonstrate her approach to choreography in open rehearsals with BalletBoyz theTALENT during the opening weekend of the festival. Her piece will then be performed in a mixed programme with work by Royal Ballet's Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon and Choreographic Affiliate Alexander Whitley, opening on 16 September in the Linbury Studio Theatre. Tickets are now available.

Deloitte Ignite, a contemporary arts festival curated by The Royal Ballet and Minna Moore Ede of the National Gallery, runs throughout September. This year's festival is inspired by myth.

‘The Deloitte festival includes art, film, photography, choreography, workshops,’ says Kristen. ‘It’s a great way to let people come to the opera house without having to pay for a ticket. The Royal Opera House is an amazing place that involves so many talented people, and Deloitte opens it up and shows people that.’